England batsman Graham Thorpe announced his retirement from Test cricket on Friday.

The left-hander, left out of the side to play Australia in the Ashes first Test and replaced by Kevin Pietersen, played 100 Tests, averaging 44.66.

The 35-year-old, who had already retired from one-day internationals, said in a statement: "My partner is having a baby in the next couple of weeks and I have decided that I want to concentrate on my family life."

England chairman of selectors David Graveney said: "Graham was one of the leading players of his generation and that is reflected by the fact that he has collected 100 caps.

"You can judge what a feat that is by looking at the list of other players who have reached that number of appearances. He will be remembered as a tenacious batsman who served England with great ability and great pride."

The announcement, which came on the same day that Pietersen scored a half-century on his debut against Australia, caused some surprise.

Thorpe had already announced he would retire from international cricket at the end of the season to coach in New South Wales but was expected to be the first in line if any England batsman was injured during the five-match Ashes series.